Jake Ellenberger is quickly, albeit very quietly, making his way up the UFC welterweight ladder. The talented Nebraskan competes in one of the sport’s deepest divisions, yet owns an impressive 24-5 resume and has finished off 19 of his victims before the final horns have sounded.

He was last seen taking a split decision win over Carlos Eduardo Rocha at UFC 126. Although Rocha took it to him in the opening round, Ellenberger rallied to collect his third consecutive Octagon victory.

While it appeared as though he easily took the final two stanzas, one judge was watching a completely different fight and Ellenberger was almost taught a tough lesson. The wrestler was thankful he wasn’t on the wrong end of a dubious decision, but quickly learned he can’t trust the three officials sitting cageside to determine his fate.

We recently caught up with Ellenberger at Mark Munoz’s Reign Training Center in Lake Forrest, California. Hear what he had to say about his controversial decision win, what Munoz has meant to his career and his thoughts on Jake Shields.

Speaking of his mortal enemy, he also gives a prediction on Shields’ impending UFC 129 title fight with welterweight king Georges St-Pierre.